1:72 Me 163 KOMET

Hobby Boss Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, 1:72

A small injection-molded plastic kit in 1:72 scale by Hobby Boss. The subject is the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, the only rocket-powered interceptor to see combat in the Second World War. Thanks to its compact, tailless shape it is a quickly built kit with a straightforward assembly; a clear part covers the cockpit.

The real subject

The Me 163 was designed at Alexander Lippisch's design school and first flew in the early 1940s. It was powered by a bipropellant rocket engine that gave it exceptional climb rate and speed, but only a short range; it landed engine-off, gliding down onto a retractable skid. It saw combat in the closing stages of the war against Allied bomber formations.

Building and painting tips

Glue the joints with a thin liquid modeling cement. Mask the clear cockpit cover before painting, unify the model with a base coat and apply the colors with an airbrush; a small model with bold surfaces also makes a good practice piece for a masked camouflage scheme. Watch out for the delicate landing skid and dolly parts.

Who the model is for

• Anyone interested in German experimental and rocket technology of the Second World War.
• Collectors in 1:72 scale who want to add an unusual type.
• Modelers looking for a kit they can build in one evening.
• Beginners who appreciate a lower part count.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.